My Tarot cards and how I use them
Every once in a while I’ll post an Instagram story with a photo of one of my pulls, and I’ve gotten a few questions about my decks from Tarot virgins.
Let me preface this post by saying that I am by no means an expert. And while I do believe every single one of us has a stronger intuition than we realize, I don’t call myself “an intuitive.” I don’t do readings for others and I don’t have any proper education in Tarot. But because I get questions, I’m going to simply share the decks I have and how I use them.
The decks I use and how I use them
I have a few kinds of decks, and they are all different.
Tarot cards
The Tarot is a deck of 78 cards. Each card has imagery (which can vary depending on the artist) but they all follow the same symbolism and reflect life’s karmic and spiritual lessons or the trials and tribulations we face. The Tarot has been around since like the 1400’s, which is dope.
I have the Rider Tarot Deck, a very traditional deck. Now that I’m more familiar with the traditional cards I’d be more inclined to buy a more modern version, but I started with this deck so I could learn with the “regular” cards. Below is a link to the Rider deck, as well as “The Wild Unknown” which I don’t own but is on my wish list!
How I use them
Sometimes I just draw a single Tarot card to help provide some guidance for the day. If I don’t remember the card’s meaning, I like BiddyTarot.com as a resource! If I have more time or need clarity on something more specific, I’ll do a spread like one of these.
A good practice is to shuffle the cards first until you feel like the deck is ready (using your intuition). If I’m really feeling it, I’ll even smudge the cards first. But on a daily basis I certainly don’t do that.
Oracle cards
Oracle cards are simpler than Tarot cards and each deck varies quite a bit, unlike the Tarot. Though their history isn’t as rich, they are more straightforward and usually come with a handy little guidebook so you can quickly look up the meaning of each card. The guidebooks usually also show you how to use the cards and offer different “spreads” — ex: Pull a card representing your past, one for your present, one for your future. You can find all kinds of oracle decks, usually with a theme like goddesses, trees, etc.
I have an “Eternal Crystals” deck and a “Mother’s Wisdom” deck. The “Mother’s Wisdom” deck I love because it comes with a nice book describing each card at length and includes instructions for spreads that include your kiddos! Both are linked below.
How I use them
Like the Tarot cards, I usually just pull one card (after shuffling them like described before). Sometimes I’ll draw three — one each for past, present and future. Or I’ll do a whole spread described in the guidebook. Like I said before, one thing that’s awesome about the “Mother’s Wisdom” deck is that the book has spreads that include your babies! I like letting Memphis choose his cards.
Affirmation cards
My affirmation deck is different in that there is no symbolism or guidebook needed. Each card simply has an affirmation about taking a pause, self-care, resiliency, or standing your ground. This deck was actually created by my inspiring sister! You can find them on her website.
How I use them
These are the easiest cards since no manual or knowledge is needed. I like to pull a card in the morning to give me a boost of power before facing the day ahead.
I enjoy using these decks. They aren’t spooky. They don’t tell fortunes. They simply help me tap into my inner wisdom, provide some guidance and clarity and live with a little more intention. Plus, they’re fun.
If you’re curious about these decks and want to give it a try, I’d recommend starting with the Affirmation deck and/or an Oracle deck. If you dig it, then you can graduate to the Tarot deck. The Tarot is just a little more complex and has a learning curve!
I hope you found this post helpful from a non-expert wanna-be intuitive. Have a beautiful, intuitive, intentional day!